Jorge Martin finished second in the Japan Grand Prix, maintaining his championship lead. Aprilia rider admitted that defeating Marc Márquez in Motegi was difficult, but stated his intention to strive for the highest points in the remaining races.
Performance in the Championship Battle
Jorge Martin achieved a significant success for the championship in the Motegi race. The Aprilia rider started from pole position and held the lead for eleven laps in the Japan Grand Prix, but finished second under the pressure of Marc Márquez. With this result, Martin's championship lead dropped by two points. The Spanish rider expressed satisfaction with Aprilia's performance in Motegi. Martin emphasized the importance of his team's first podium on this track and the track record.
I thought I could win, but today Marc was unbeatable. I did my best. I pushed to the limit and tried to cause him to make a mistake to close the gap, but it was too hard.
Difficulties in Race Position
The Spanish rider stated that he had to manage his speed due to fuel management and that Marc attacked at the exact moment. Martin stated that being behind Marc Márquez at the start of the race was more advantageous for himself.
He was very good in the middle of the race. I needed to manage my fuel a bit at that moment and he attacked me at that exact moment. I was quite comfortable in the lead, but when I moved to the rear, I saw that I had big problems stopping the motorcycle.
Martin stated that the two riders' race speeds were close and that being in the lead offered an advantage.
Your pace was very close, and the rider in front could manage the situation a bit better. Nevertheless, we managed to close the gap throughout the weekend.
Importance of the Championship Battle
Jorge Martin also stated that competing in the championship with Marc was meaningful in itself.
Competing against one of the best riders in history in the championship is a privilege for me. We are still leading the championship, and that tells a lot about my season.
Martin mentioned that he withdrew last year due to a fractured collarbone in Motegi, and it was special for him to be on the podium with Aprilia on the same track a year later.
A year ago, I was returning with a fractured collarbone from here. Today, we achieved the first podium and the track record for Aprilia. Therefore, I am really happy.
Martin stressed that he would not give up, highlighting that he was fighting to win. He said that not being able to win made him uncomfortable. He came here to win, and finishing second pains him.
Martin stated that the most important thing for the remainder of the season was to secure the highest possible points every weekend.
Now the matter is to take the hits until I win. I must focus on getting the maximum every weekend and riding well. I think I had an unbelievable race regardless of the result.
Martin expressed particular satisfaction with his race performance despite finishing second in Motegi.
Our strategy was good, and I don't think I made many mistakes. So we must continue and keep scoring points.
Assuming that the championship battle is largely between himself and Marc Márquez, he acknowledged that Marco Bezzecchi also competed in the race.
At this moment, we have a slight advantage over him. Marco is always there. Marc is very strong in terms of speed.
Looking Ahead to Future Tracks
The Mandalika circuit in Indonesia will be the next stop on the Championship calendar. Martin stated that they need to start competing on this track since he did not race there last year.
I did not race there last year, so we will start from zero again. The track is tough. It is usually dirty and being precise is not easy. But I trust my motorcycle. We will see when we go there.
Martin also emphasized that he does not aim to win regardless of what happens to him. He must try to get the maximum every weekend.
Jorge Martin finished second in the Japan GP, maintaining his championship lead. The point difference with Marc Márquez was only two points, and this did not affect his lead. For the Aprilia rider, the biggest goal for the remainder of the season is to maintain a consistent point total to keep his championship position.
Figures
- Jorge Martin is ranked 1st with 333 points in the 2026 MotoGP season (Aprilia Racing Team).
- Archive: Jorge Martin Took Pole Position (October 3, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
